A Delta regional jet on method to Minot, North Dakota, made an “aggressive maneuver” to keep away from a midair collision with a B-52 bomber, in line with the Delta pilot.
“Rapidly we simply jerk actually onerous to the precise — we simply saved taking extra turns and extra turns and he will get on the announcement and says, ‘I am sorry all people, I will clarify every part as soon as we have landed safely,” passenger Monica Inexperienced informed ABC Information following the July 18 incident.
The flight, operated by SkyWest, had departed from Minneapolis. As soon as on the bottom, the pilot apologized to passengers for the abrupt transfer and defined the scenario.
Kevin Carter/Getty Pictures – PHOTO: The pilot of a Delta Connection flight Embraer E175LR plane, just like the one pictured right here, was compelled to make an “aggressive maneuver, July 19, 2025, whereas trying to keep away from a mid-air collision with an Air Power B-22 bomber.
“Given his velocity … I do not know the way quick they have been going, however they have been lots quicker than us. I felt it was the most secure factor to do to show behind it,” the pilot mentioned, in line with a recording of the dialog. “So sorry in regards to the aggressive maneuver, it caught me unexpectedly, this isn’t regular in any respect. I do not know why they did not give us a heads up, as a result of the Air Power base does have radar … lengthy story quick, it was not enjoyable, however I do apologize for it and thanks for understanding. Not a not a enjoyable day at work.”
It is unclear how shut the 2 jets got here to one another or if a cockpit alarm was activated to warn the pilots of a possible collision. Minot is house to an Air Power base with B-52 bombers.
“We’re conscious of the current reporting relating to industrial and Air Power plane working in airspace round Minot Worldwide Airport. We’re at present trying into the matter. We will verify {that a} B-52 plane assigned to Minot AFB performed a flyover of the North Dakota State Honest Friday night,” an Air Power spokesperson informed ABC Information on Sunday night.
MORE: Air India captain might have shut off gasoline forward of lethal crash, WSJ experiences
SkyWest mentioned it is investigating the incident.
“SkyWest flight 3788, working as Delta Connection from Minneapolis, Minnesota to Minot, North Dakota, landed safely in Minot after being cleared for method by the tower however carried out a go-around when one other plane turned seen of their flight path. We’re investigating the incident,” in line with a spokesperson.